|
Arizona Vehicle Thefts See New Record Low with25% Decrease in 2025
|
The Arizona Automobile Theft Authority (AATA) is excited to announce a 25% decrease in vehicle thefts in Arizona during 2025. Data compiled by the Auto Crime Tracker database shows that in 2025, vehicle thefts totaled 12,686. Compared to the 17,010 vehicles stolen in 2024, thefts decreased significantly, marking the third consecutive year Arizona has seen a decrease in vehicle thefts.
The 12,686 vehicle thefts is a new record low since the AATA's inception in 1992. Previously, the record low was 16,785 in 2015.
|
|
Arizona's Top 10 Stolen Vehicles
|
The most popular vehicles stolen in Arizona remain consistent. Chevrolet Silverado remains the #1 stolen vehicle, with Kia and Hyundai vehicles representing four of the top six places and pickup trucks occupying four positions.
|
|
Vehicle
|
Number Stolen
|
Vehicle
|
Number Stolen
|
|
Chevy Silverado
|
627
|
Kia Optima
|
268
|
|
Hyundai Elantra
|
418
|
Ford F-150
|
252
|
|
Hyundai Sonata
|
323
|
GMC Sierra
|
243
|
|
Kia Soul
|
309
|
Honda Civic
|
236
|
|
GMC Savana
|
278
|
Ram 1500
|
208
|
|
|
Top 10 Cities for Vehicle Theft in Arizona
|
Vehicle theft is a statewide concern, but most thefts are concentrated in the state's largest cities. Every city in the top 10 has shown a significant decrease in thefts for 2025. The City of Peoria, for example, has dropped out of the top 10, going from the #7 position with 301 thefts in 2024, to outside the top 10 with 168 thefts in 2025.
See the full list of Arizona's top 10 cities for total vehicle thefts for 2024 and 2025:
|
|
City
|
2025 Thefts
|
2025 Rank
|
2024 Thefts
|
2024 Rank
|
|
Phoenix
|
4700
|
#1
|
6129
|
#1
|
|
Tucson
|
2060
|
#2
|
2973
|
#2
|
|
Glendale
|
737
|
#3
|
1014
|
#4
|
|
Mesa
|
725
|
#4
|
1020
|
#3
|
|
Tempe
|
452
|
#5
|
607
|
#5
|
|
Scottsdale
|
340
|
#6
|
470
|
#6
|
|
Chandler
|
262
|
#7
|
295
|
#8
|
|
Yuma
|
237
|
#8
|
272
|
#9
|
|
Avondale
|
202
|
#9
|
240
|
#10
|
|
Gilbert
|
173
|
#10
|
206
|
N/A
|
|
|
Top 10 Stolen Vehicle Model Years
|
|
Model Year
|
Number Stolen
|
|
2017
|
690
|
|
2024
|
687
|
|
2019
|
657
|
|
2016
|
650
|
|
2015
|
613
|
|
2013
|
575
|
|
2021
|
560
|
|
2014
|
558
|
|
2018
|
558
|
|
2020
|
497
|
|
|
Are older vehicles or newer vehicles stolen more often?
This is a common question received by the AATA staff. While no model year is immune to theft, this Top 10 list shows that in Arizona, model years 2020 and newer take three of the top 10 spots, with model years 2013-2019 occupying the remaining seven.
Every vehicle theft imposes many hardships on its owners. Often, stolen vehicles are used in subsequent crimes, resulting in additional victims. The AATA is committed to continuing support of law enforcement and prosecutors through our grant programs, and to educating and informing Arizona citizens about theft prevention through publications, social media, and community engagement.
|
|
|
|
2025 Annual Report Released
|
The 2025 Annual Report was released in December 2025, highlighting state and national vehicle theft trends, statistics, and accomplishments for both calendar year 2024 and fiscal year (FY) 2025, including the following:
-
Arizona reported 17,010 vehicles stolen in 2024, representing a 13.8% decrease from 2023. The state's theft rate of 229.76 vehicles stolen per 100,000 residents places Arizona 15th among states.
-
Over $5.8 million awarded in FY25 grant funding to reduce and prevent vehicle crimes in Arizona communities.
-
As a result of this funding, the Vehicle Theft Task Force recovered stolen vehicles valued at over $44 million, and the Vertical Prosecution program secured 1,349 felony convictions and $1.1 million in restitution for Arizona vehicle theft victims.
|
|
|
|
Hyundai/Kia Multistate Immobilizer Settlement Announced
|
Last month, Arizona, along with 34 other states, reached a settlement with automobile manufacturers Hyundai and Kia over the sale of millions of vehicles nationwide that lacked industry standard anti-theft technology. This failure led to an epidemic of car thefts across the country, and continues to threaten public safety. Under the settlement, Hyundai and Kia have agreed to:
-
Equip all future vehicles sold in the United States with industry standard engine immobilizer anti-theft technology.
-
Offer free zinc-reinforced ignition cylinder protectors to owners or lessees of eligible vehicles, including vehicles that previously were only eligible for the company's software updates.
-
Provide up to $4.5 million in restitution to eligible consumers whose cars are damaged by thieves.
-
Pay $4.5 million to the states to defray the costs of the investigation.
In addition, consumers who previously installed the software update on their vehicles (or were scheduled to do so) but nonetheless experienced a theft or attempted theft of their vehicle on or after April 29, 2025, are eligible to file a claim for restitution for certain theft and attempted-theft related expenses. Claims will be paid on a rolling basis until funds are exhausted. The deadline to file a claim is March 31, 2027.
For more information about eligibility and how to submit a claim for compensation from Hyundai or Kia, please visit: HKMultistateimmobilizersettlement.com or call Hyundai (877-409-4173) or Kia (844-655-4191).
|
|
Arizona Auto Crime Tracker (ACT) Bulletin Launches
|
The monthly ACT Bulletin has launched! This is a new resource for law enforcement, providing comprehensive data on monthly thefts and recoveries at the statewide and county levels, and a link for law enforcement personnel to sign up for ACT access.
|
|
|
|
Vehicle Theft Task Force (VTTF) in the News
|
VTTF detectives recently made multiple arrests following a months-long investigation into an organized criminal group responsible for numerous vehicle thefts, vehicle burglaries, and chop-shop operations throughout the Phoenix metropolitan area. To date, detectives have identified 16 stolen vehicles valued at more than $750,000.
The investigation involved hundreds of hours of surveillance, suspect network identification, vehicle tracking, and evidence collection to document the organization's operations and the movement of stolen vehicles. Detectives determined that the suspects primarily targeted high-end Mopar vehicles, including Hellcat, SRT, and TRX models, and often scouted apartment complexes in advance. The suspects would return at a later time and use electronic technology to start and steal them without a key.
|
Once stolen, vehicles were either dismantled and sold for parts through online marketplaces and word of mouth, sold intact on the black market at steeply discounted prices or, in some cases, VIN-switched and used by the suspects before being resold.
Working in collaboration with multiple criminal investigative units and partner agencies, eight search warrants were executed by the VTTF, resulting in the arrest of five suspects. The suspects were booked on multiple felony charges, including fraud, theft of means of transportation, trafficking in stolen property, and possession of burglary tools.
The VTTF reminds the public that thefts involving SRT Mopar vehicles are increasing. Drivers are encouraged to:
-
Keep vehicle software up to date
-
Use steering-wheel locking devices when parking outdoors
-
Install secondary ignition-locking systems
-
Utilize vehicle tracking devices
-
Remove all firearms from unattended vehicles
These measures may significantly reduce the likelihood of theft or assist in vehicle recovery.
|
|
VTTF Busts Vehicle Theft Ring in Metro Phoenix
|
In November 2025, VTTF detectives recovered two stolen vehicles, four stolen trailers, and one dismantled stolen vehicle after a weeks-long investigation targeting auto thefts in the Phoenix area.
The suspect, 39-year-old Rafael Felix of Phoenix, was arrested on felony charges including theft of means of transportation, theft-control of property, possession of dangerous drugs, and possession of drug paraphernalia. Two additional suspects were arrested on felony warrants and drug-related charges.
|
|
|
AATA enhanced community safety through targeted social media campaigns on rising theft trends, holiday security tips, and proactive community engagement at public events, combining digital outreach with vital in-person presence to educate and help safeguard vehicle owners.
|
FY26 Year-End AATA Grant Announcement Coming Soon!
The AATA will soon release FY26 year-end grant funding opportunities for vehicle theft enforcement, prevention, and training programs through June 30, 2026. Visit the AATA Grants page for more details on available funding, application requirements, and upcoming deadlines.
|
|
AATA Welcomes New Board Members, Laura Conover and Roy De La Cruz
|
AATA Board and Staff are pleased to welcome both new members and appreciate their service to the Board.
|
Laura Conover - Pima County Attorney Laura Conover was appointed by the Governor's Office, representing a county with a population of less than two million.
Conover is in her second term as Pima County Attorney, building on her first four years through initiatives and programs designed to accomplish her goals in criminal justice reform. A former defense attorney and the third woman elected to lead the Pima County Attorney's Office, she has assembled a leadership team that is committed to implementing transformative operational reforms in the office.
Raised in Tucson, and earning both undergraduate and law degrees from the University of Arizona, Conover is proud to call the community she serves home.
|
|
|
Roy De La Cruz - The Governor's Office also appointed Roy De La Cruz as a new AATA Board member representing one of two insurers who are licensed to write motor vehicle liability insurance in Arizona.
Serving as the Chief Underwriting Officer for Commonwealth Casualty Company, De La Cruz brings 25 years of hands-on experience in personal lines insurance. He began his career at GEICO in the late 1990s, advancing from customer service representative to senior underwriter, trainer, and team lead. After gaining additional leadership experience with a non-standard carrier in California, he joined Commonwealth in 2011 as part of the founding team.
|
|
|
|
Reminder to Check Out the New AATA Website
|
The AATA's redesigned public website, azwatchyourcar.com, is a major digital modernization initiative providing Arizona residents and law enforcement with an enhanced, accessible resource for vehicle theft prevention.
In addition to a fresh look, the site offers new features and an improved user experience, while setting a new standard for government digital accessibility and efficiency.
|
|
|
Have an upcoming public safety or community event?
We'd love to help support you!
Our new website now features a direct resource request tool. Simply complete the form, and AATA staff will handle the rest.
|
|
|
{{Sender_Name}}
{{Sender_Address}}, {{Sender_City}}, {{Sender_State}} {{Sender_Zip}}
Unsubscribe
|
|
|
|
